Skiddable Cart with Support Tower for In-Riser Landing String Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The handling and testing of in-riser landing string assemblies onboard floating vessels are inefficient and pose risks due to their complex nature and large size, requiring improved methods for storage and deployment to ensure safety and reduce component damage.

Innovation Solution

A skiddable in-riser landing string assembly cart with a support tower allows for vertical orientation and efficient handling, enabling the assembly to be moved between locations and stored horizontally, reducing the risk of damage during transfer and allowing for simultaneous testing of components at a remote location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the in-riser landing string assembly is handled in horizontal orientation during storage and transfer, then the handling process is simpler, but the risk of component damage increases due to the assembly's large size and complex nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidcomponent damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the assembly from horizontal to vertical orientation during storage and handling operations. The vertical orientation on the derrick floor provides better structural support and reduces bending stresses on the assembly components, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining operational simplicity through the use of existing derrick infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated storage and handling system comprising support structures and securing mechanisms on the derrick floor. This intermediary system facilitates safe vertical storage and controlled transfer operations, mediating between the assembly's complex nature and the handling requirements without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the in-riser landing string assembly is stored and tested at the deployment location, then deployment time is reduced, but testing operations interfere with other well center activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment timeVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vessel operations into separate functional zones: a dedicated remote storage and testing location away from the well center, and the well center itself for deployment operations. This segmentation allows testing and deployment to occur independently without interference, while the cart system enables rapid transfer between locations to minimize overall deployment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary testing and preparation of the landing string assembly at the remote location before deployment. This preliminary action ensures the assembly is ready for deployment without blocking well center activities, as the tested assembly can be quickly transferred to the deployment location when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the in-riser landing string assembly is kept in vertical orientation during storage, then the risk of component damage is reduced, but the storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent damage riskVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the derrick floor's inherent vertical support structures and gravity-aligned positioning to store the assembly in a naturally stable vertical orientation. This equipotential approach leverages the existing structural environment rather than requiring additional horizontal space, maintaining vertical storage with minimal area increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP3615762B1Handling, testing, storing an in-riser landing string assembly onboard a floating vessel
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 ITREC BV
  • EP3615762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3615762B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3615762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for handling and/or testing an in-riser landing string assembly onboard a floating vessel, which method comprises the use of an in-riser landing string assembly cart, e.g. a skiddable in-riser landing string assembly cart, having a cart base, e.g. a cart base configured to be skidded over skid rails on a deck of the vessel, and having a support tower erected on said cart base. The in-riser landing string assembly is arranged and retained in vertical orientation on said cart with the support tower providing lateral support for the in-riser landing string assembly, e.g. the in-riser landing string assembly being temporarily secured to the tower at different elevations along the height of the support tower.